European river cruising offers something for all types of adventurers. From wine lovers to history lovers to hiking fans, any personal interest can be met with a customized, themed travel itinerary. Travel in your own personal style while also meeting like-minded cruisers.
Six European River Cruise Themes for Cruise Lovers
For Flower Fanatics: Tulip Cruises
Each spring season, Belgium and the Netherlands explode in a sea of color as the tulips come into bloom. From the seven million flowers at the Keukenhof Gardens to the one million bulbs at Floralia Brussels to the vast fields of blooms in the Dutch countryside, tulips can be found in abundance. A tulip season cruise is a treat for the senses whether you’re a gardener, flower-lover, or simply enjoy a riot of color.
For Market Mavens: Christmas Market Cruises
Europe is known for its enchanting Christmas markets. During the darkest month of the year, there’s nothing brighter than sipping a warm cup of mulled wine while you stroll through a market of wooden stalls where vendors sell fabulous locally-made arts and crafts. Exploring the markets on a European river cruise lets you experience a variety of seasonal foods and crafts as you travel from port to port – because one Christmas market is never enough.
For Savvy Sippers: Wine Cruises
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a great glass of rosé, you’ll get to taste your heart out while enjoying a wine cruise. Learn about sweet Sauternes in Bordeaux, Port in the Douro Valley or Riesling along the Rhine while cruising past picturesque vineyards and chateaux. Your onboard experience will offer wines local to the region and a ship’s sommelier to further your wine education while at sail.
For Perfect Putters: Golf Cruises
Several luxury cruise lines now offer opportunities to golf at various ports along European river cruise journeys. Trying some of Europe’s top golf courses will give you lots to talk about over dinner as you compare golf techniques and scores with your new friends.
For Get-Up-and-Goers: Active Cruises
For those who prefer a more active approach to river cruising, several cruise lines now offer active options with hiking, biking, running and canoeing excursions (plus more). It’s a terrific way to get up close and personal to your port cities while also working up a sweat.
For Lovers of Learning: Lecture Series, Jewish History, or Art Cruises
No matter what subject area interests you, there’s a European river cruise option to explore it in depth. Through onboard lecture series or art lessons, you can immerse yourself in the timeless knowledge of your European ports of call. On a Jewish History cruise, you’ll discover thriving Jewish conclaves across Europe while gaining a deeper learning of the horrors of the past at holocaust and World War II memorial sites.